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Mark Gleeson · 13-06-2006, 10:01

Off peak evening you should be seeing something after 10pm, current work in concentrated on 9am to 4:30pm since there is a glut of trains in Dublin doing nothing, evenings something after 10pm is likely

This is not easy had to do a rethink to allow for a train every 30 minutes to Adamstown from 2007 plus allow for freight services (yes there are still freight trains).

The signalling between Hazelhatch and Ballybrophy dates from 1976 it is computer controlled since the mid 1980's, 1986 I think. The exact location of all trains between Clondalkin and Cork/Tralee/Limerick/Galway/Waterford/Athlone-Moate are displayed in real time, I saw a live demo of it many moons ago. Since 2003 the computer routes the trains automatically based on the timetable with the signalman allowed override. The problem is back in 1976 the signalling was specified to simply replace the mechanical system like for like which was fine for a rail system that wasn't even carrying 10 milion a year, that left a limit of a train every 7 minutes, once Heuston was rebuilt that became 5 minutes as Heuston to just before Hazelhatch was resignalled. Fundamental problem is some trains make lots of stops some make no stops so a gap will open up behind a fast train, you also have to account for Waterford trains leaving/joining at Cherryville Junction. The Kildare Route Project resignals out as far as Cherryville

The reliability problem is down to having only 2 tracks, anywhere else in Europe would have 4

The distortion field gag is to do with the amazing ability of Barry Kenny Irish Rails media spokeman to make even a 4 hour delay sound like a good thing, you always feel like you are getting something when you are not, hence why if you want a result you need to dodge the media minder and head straight for line manager

13-06-2006, 10:01	#38
Mark Gleeson Technical Officer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Coach C, Seat 33 Posts: 12,669	Off peak evening you should be seeing something after 10pm, current work in concentrated on 9am to 4:30pm since there is a glut of trains in Dublin doing nothing, evenings something after 10pm is likely This is not easy had to do a rethink to allow for a train every 30 minutes to Adamstown from 2007 plus allow for freight services (yes there are still freight trains). The signalling between Hazelhatch and Ballybrophy dates from 1976 it is computer controlled since the mid 1980's, 1986 I think. The exact location of all trains between Clondalkin and Cork/Tralee/Limerick/Galway/Waterford/Athlone-Moate are displayed in real time, I saw a live demo of it many moons ago. Since 2003 the computer routes the trains automatically based on the timetable with the signalman allowed override. The problem is back in 1976 the signalling was specified to simply replace the mechanical system like for like which was fine for a rail system that wasn't even carrying 10 milion a year, that left a limit of a train every 7 minutes, once Heuston was rebuilt that became 5 minutes as Heuston to just before Hazelhatch was resignalled. Fundamental problem is some trains make lots of stops some make no stops so a gap will open up behind a fast train, you also have to account for Waterford trains leaving/joining at Cherryville Junction. The Kildare Route Project resignals out as far as Cherryville The reliability problem is down to having only 2 tracks, anywhere else in Europe would have 4 The distortion field gag is to do with the amazing ability of Barry Kenny Irish Rails media spokeman to make even a 4 hour delay sound like a good thing, you always feel like you are getting something when you are not, hence why if you want a result you need to dodge the media minder and head straight for line manager Last edited by Mark Gleeson : 13-06-2006 at 10:10.